Daily Times

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suffered losses amounting to Rs 2 billion in three days’ of strike by its employees.

PIA has entered into an agreement with two private airliners, Air Blue and Shaheen Air, under which the national airline’s passengers can fly with these private airlines on domestic routes. PIA spokesperson Daniyal Gilani told Daily Times that under the arrangement the passengers who have confirmed PIA tickets can fly with these private airlines on all domestic routes. The passengers have been advised to visit the booking offices of these airlines to change their tickets. Arrangements have been made in view of the prevailing situation, Daniyal said.

Gilani said that the new arrangement on domestic routes has already been implemented. PIA’s arrangement with Etihad Airways is also in the queue. The passengers having confirm PIA tickets would be able to travel with Etihad Airways after endorsement by the local PIA offices, he said. Separately, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday accepted the resignation of PIA Chairman Nasir Jafar, a spokesperson of the PM House said. Jafar had tendered his resignation following the nationwide strike by PIA workers against the proposed privatisation of the airline. According to the PM House spokesperson the aviation secretary has been given the additional charge of the airline.